AD/CESSNA 150/27 - Seat Frame

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the safety standards for civil aviation in Australia through various Airworthiness Directives (ADs). This legislative instrument was enacted to ensure the continued airworthiness of aircraft, particularly focusing on specific models like the Cessna 150, F150, 152 & F152 series aeroplanes. This legislation was developed by the Commonwealth of Australia to fill a critical gap in maintaining safety standards in the aviation industry, ensuring that aircraft meet stringent regulatory requirements. The policy objective behind these regulations is to safeguard the integrity of aircraft operations and to protect the public from potential aviation hazards by mandating regular inspections and maintenance actions on specified aircraft components. One example of such a directive is AD/CESSNA 150/27, which pertains to the seat frame of certain Cessna models. This directive applies to all model 150 Aerobat Series aeroplanes with specific serial numbers and requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service after a specified date, as outlined in the directive. The directive mandates that actions be taken in accordance with Cessna Service Letter SE 77-40 to ensure that the seat frames meet the necessary safety standards. This directive is part of the broader legislative framework aimed at maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft and ensuring the safety of all those involved in civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, establish the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which govern the airworthiness of specific aircraft models, including the Cessna 150, F150, 152, and F152 series aeroplanes. Specifically, Airworthiness Directive AD/CESSNA 150/27 pertains to the seat frame of all model 150 Aerobat Series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from A1500277 to A1500647 and FRA1500167 to FRA1500291. The directive mandates that actions be taken in accordance with Cessna Service Letter SL SE 77-40, with compliance required within 100 hours of time in service following 28 February 1978. This regulation applies to the specified aircraft models within its geographic reach, which is national in scope as it is governed by the Commonwealth of Australia’s CASA. The directive does not explicitly state exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, but the applicability and compliance requirements are clearly defined. The authority to extend or restrict the application of these directives may be exercised through subordinate instruments as necessary.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (C1998L04925), specifically in Part 39 - 105, detail a series of airworthiness directives that govern the maintenance and operational standards of various aircraft models. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 150/27, pertains to the seat frames of the Cessna 150, F150, 152, and F152 series aeroplanes. This directive applies to all model 150 Aerobat Series with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from A1500277 to A1500647, and FRA1500167 to FRA1500291. The requirement outlined in this directive is to follow the action specified in Cessna Service Letter SE 77-40 (section 2/78). Compliance with this directive must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 28 February 1978. The obligations imposed by the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 on the parties governed by this directive are clear and direct. Owners and operators of the specified Cessna aircraft models must ensure that the seat frames of their aeroplanes are modified or inspected according to the instructions detailed in Cessna Service Letter SE 77-40. This includes the replacement or reinforcement of certain seat frame components to enhance structural integrity and safety. The directive mandates that this action be completed within the specified timeframe to ensure continued airworthiness and compliance with aviation safety standards. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directives stipulated in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can result in serious consequences. Non-compliance may lead to the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which can result in grounding of the aircraft until the required actions are taken. Additionally, operators may face penalties, including fines, and potential prosecution under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The maximum penalties for such breaches can include substantial financial penalties and, in severe cases, imprisonment for individuals responsible for the oversight or operation of the non-compliant aircraft. These measures underscore the importance of adhering to the directives to maintain the highest standards of aviation safety.